Theatre’ district

Spelling isn’t quite Worcestre’

Before things get too far along in the proposed “Theatre District,” we have to ask: What’s with the fancy spelling? Does ‘theatre’ really fit here?

The ideas in the master plan to complement the Hanover Theatre neighborhood are marvelous. Someday, Federal Street and Allen Court could be transformed into a bright, cozy center of activity. People would be drawn there for dining, strolling or show-going.

Streetscape improvements, building overhauls, new construction, a parking garage behind the Hanover, a second small theater nearby with frontage on Main … are all colorfully floated in the “Theatre District Master Plan,” available at www.worcesterma.gov.

But we see no reason to be bound to the high-falutin spelling “theatre.”

“Theatre” works for the Hanover. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts nicely distinguishes it from the building’s prior use as a movie theater. And “theatre” suggests drama and live performances, unlike the cinema. To us, “theater” is the American version of a word the rest of the world flips to “theatre.”

Of course, “Theatre District” might grow on us. Or another name might arise during the patience this project is going to require.